Puerto Morelos maintains “old-world” charm without over-development

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PUERTO MORELOS, Q. Roo — Puerto Morelos, the seaport town on the far eastern side of Mexico, is fast becoming one of the nation’s most popular cities for many reasons. Situated in the State of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula, Puerto Morelos is a mere 20 miles from two other better-known cities: Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

Puerto Morelos became Quintana Roo’s 11th municipality late last year after merging with another nearby village. Now on a growth spurt due to its large shipping port and scenic locale, Puerto Morelos is a key international trading port known all over the world.

Sometimes called the “quiet neighbor” of Cancun, Puerto Morelos was a shipping and trade center from the 1920s to the 1950s, but since then it has built a reputation as a serene little outpost in between two of Mexico’s better known resort towns.

The last 5 years, however, have seen a renaissance of sorts for the friendly town of Puerto Morelos, as visitors have come to appreciate its glistening beaches, authentic culture, and hospitable residents. Puerto Morelos officials are putting out the welcome mat for businesses and travelers.

The city’s reef is one of the best in Mexico for snorkeling, features hundreds of species of fish, as well as sea turtles, eels, lobster, and rays. The local produce market and craft center are key features of the locale’s charming character; and the botanical gardens offer a 150-acre wonderland full of animals, exotic plants and very friendly monkeys.

Fishing is of course one of the central activities for visitors to Puerto Morelos. Sailfish, Dorado, Marlin, Barracuda and many more varieties prowl the waters where fishermen gather. The wonders of nature are always close by as bird watching is a major local pastime and the Puerto Morelos zoo hosts a unique array of jungle denizens as well as cute, small animals that kids love to play with.

Puerto Morelos is a mere 20 miles from two other better-known cities: Playa del Carmen and Cancun (Photo: Google)

Puerto Morelos is a must-see; it is a growing city that has managed to maintain its old-world charm without giving in to the temptation to over-develop.

Local government officials are working hard to make sure that the authenticity of Puerto Morelos is never lost, and that every visitor is welcome.